Take your autistic child to a sensitive Santa

As a mother of an autistic son, I know how challenging it can be to find autism-friendly Christmas activities and events. There are many things that my daughter would love to do that would make my son very uncomfortable.

The top thing on that list is visiting Santa! There are many places around the country that offer a Sensitive Santa or a Santa visit that is catered towards their needs. These Santa events are great for kids with autism or other special needs.

You can also find that some malls are set up for special visits by those with special needs. Check your local mall for such opportunities. You may also want to contact your local fire department or police station, as they may have more events to share with you.

Nationwide:
Glimcher Malls

ARIZONA
December 10, 12 and 15
Touchstone Behavioral Health in Phoenix, AZ
Elizabeth Rinaldo 602-732-4967

COLORADO
Sunday, December 9, 2012, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
at Colorado Mills in Lakewood, CO
RSVP here

INDIANA
Dec. 13, 2012 7:00 pm
Concord Conference Center ELKHART
Sensitive Santa – Tickets are free but must be picked up by Dec. 10. Information: 875-6502

NEW HAMPSHIRE
December 8, 2012, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Merrimack YMCA, 6 Henry Clay Dr, Merrimack, NH

Sunday, December 9, 2012, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Quakerbridge Mall, Lawrence Township, NJ
RSVP here

Saturday, December 8, 15 & 22, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard in Marlton, NJ
maria@mariasmom.com

NEVADA
Sunday December 9, 2012 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas
Santa will make a special appearance before the center opens to accommodate visits for children with special needs.

NEW YORK
Saturday, December 22, 2012, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Church of the Resurrection, 325 East 101st Street in New York City
Kat at kat@tommyland.org to RSVP

OKLAHOMA
Sunday, December 9, 2012, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia, OH

OREGON
December 15th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Eugene Boys & Girls Club More information

PENNSYLVANIA
Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 10:30 am
Eastern Monroe Public Library Stroudsburg, PA

Sunday, December 9, 2012, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
637 College Avenue (Steinman College Center at Franklin & Marshall College) in Lancaster, PA
Contact Sugey at sugey@tommyland.org for more information

Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 1:00 pm
St. Columbkille’s Social Hall 103 Church Road; Imperial, PA 15126
Contact Rachel Kyle, Administrative Supervisor, at 412-788-4224 or rkyle@familybehavioralresources.com to RSVP

Sunday, December 9, 2012 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
100 Barber Place, Erie, PA – Gymnasium
Santa’s Workshop! Crafts, food and an Autism-Friendly Santa RSVP required

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, 9 am – 1 pm
Sensitive Santa Holiday Celebration, The DiSepio Institute at Saint Francis University
RSVP for a Santa time slot: Contact Amy Hudkins at 814.472.2792 or ahudkins@francis.edu.

VIRGINIA
Sunday, December 9, 2012, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, VA
RSVP to Amanda Josephson at ajosephson@simon.com.

WISCONSIN
Saturday, December 15, 2012, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Alexian Village Retirement Community, Pavilion Building 9225 N. 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI
Event is free but register here

Saturday, December 15, 2012, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, WI
No RSVP necessary but for questions or info, contact Jay or Sue at 262-343-0311 or jaysuebella@yahoo.com

If you know of one in your area please leave a comment below.

Tagged as: autism-friendly, Santa, Sensitive Santa, special needs